You have the right to receive the same services, consideration and equal treatment given to all other applicants or customers regardless of age, race, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, domestic partnership, national origin, language, political affiliation, sex, gender identity, gender expression, disability (including HIV status), marital status, color, ethnic group identification, medical condition, genic information, immigration status or any other applicable basis.
The Civil Rights Unit reviews and investigates all civil rights complaints filed against the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) for discrimination. In addition, the unit provides support for policy, training, and quality assurance to ensure that SSA is compliant with discrimination, diversity, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.
SSA programs are administered based on state and federal laws and regulations, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, Title II, Public Access to Programs and Services; USDA Nondiscrimination Statement 2015; and the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Manual of Policies and Procedures (MPP), Division 21.
PUB 13 Pamphlets
The pamphlet “Your Rights Under California Public Benefits Programs” (PUB 13) provides information on what your civil rights are, who they protect and how to file a complaint or State Hearing. The information in the pamphlet is for persons applying for, receiving or who have received public assistance or services, which includes Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKS, In-Home Supportive Services and Children and Family Services.
Filing a Civil Rights Complaint
If you have applied for benefits or are receiving benefits/services from SSA and you feel that you have been discriminated against, you may file a Civil Rights complaint against SSA staff and/or SSA contracted staff by submitting a complaint form through email, mail, in-person or telephone. Complaints must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory action.
All Other Complaints
If your complaint does not involve a protected class, therefore not civil rights, please escalate your complaint through the chain of command, to the supervisor or manager of the program involved. If you are unable to resolve your concerns, please contact the Quality Support Team Officer of the Day at (714) 541-7700.
Complaint Forms
For additional languages, please follow this link: www.cdss.ca.gov/reporting/file-a-complaint/discrimination-complaints.
Contacts
Civil Rights Unit
P.O. Box 22001
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Email: SSAPIcivilrights@ssa.ocgov.com
Stacy Lee
SSA Civil Rights Coordinator
714-438-8877
Siobhan Martin
Civil Rights Investigator
714-795-1339
Erika Fletes-Luna
Civil Rights Investigator
714-435-4627
